Child Poverty and housing emergency ‘inextricably linked’ leading charities claim

Scotland’s housing emergency and child poverty are inextricably linked according to a new briefing by two leading charities.

Produced jointly by Shelter Scotland and Aberlour, the report examines the evidence linking child poverty and the housing emergency, and highlights delivering social homes as a key intervention.

First Minister John Swinney has said eradicating child poverty is at the heart of his governments mission, however this report warns that cannot be achieved without adequately addressing the housing emergency.

High housing costs are driving 50,000 children in Scotland into poverty, while the latest homelessness figures show that more than 10,000 children are currently trapped in temporary accommodation.

Shelter Scotland Director, Alison Watson, said:

“There’s an undeniable link between child poverty and Scotland’s housing emergency; this briefing sets that out in clear terms.

“It should be a source of great national shame that tens of thousands of children are being driven into poverty by soaring housing costs, and that more than 10,000 children in Scotland are living in temporary accommodation, trapped in the homelessness system.

“The Scottish Child Payment is a positive and welcome intervention, but the evidence shows it’s just not enough; the First Minister simply can’t achieve his aim of eradicating child poverty if he doesn’t first end the housing emergency.”

Aberlour Chief Executive, SallyAnn Kelly OBE, said:

“Children have a right to grow up free from poverty. Government has a duty to realise that right and this includes providing safe and secure housing for children and their families.

“Unsafe, cramped and temporary housing undermines the lives and life chances of far too many of our children. “Poverty damages the lives of children today and sabotages their futures tomorrow. The First Minister has said ending child poverty is his number one priority.

“But that commitment must be matched by clear actions and investment, ensuring the best interests of all our children drive policy not financial imperatives.

“It is clear that ending child poverty can only happen by tackling the housing emergency."